When the 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on Tuesday, Jan. 12, thousands of people were killed and even more were injured.

With little sound infrastructure in place, it was immediately clear rescue and relief efforts originating beyond Haiti’s borders would be key in survival for a country devastated by this natural disaster.

Here in Brunswick County, many residents wanted to know how they could help. Some took to aiding national organizations, like the American Red Cross, with fundraising efforts aimed at assisting those in need.

We’ve editorialized several times in the past year about how the economy has affected Brunswick County families.

From residents losing jobs, to those who are having difficulties making ends meet, many residents have found themselves in need. Some need help with food and clothing; others need help paying bills for life essentials like housing and electricity.

The weather recently has added an additional strain on some of the county’s cash-strapped residents.

For many, the holiday season is a time filled with joy. From gatherings of friends and family to participation in religious and civic activities, the months of November and December provide much to do.

But the holidays can also be an unfortunate time—a time when ne’er-do-wells are all too intent on dashing holiday spirits.

Although they’re not working anymore, you can be sure they have no plans to take it easy. From volunteering at schools and with church and civic organizations, to taking part in senior athletic leagues and games, Brunswick’s senior population is active and making important, positive impacts on this community.

Being a parent is a tough job, and it’s one that doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Parents learn by doing and drawing on their own experiences and from those around them. Many look for positive role models to help them along the way.

That’s why programs like the Communities in Schools Parenting Education Program are so important.

For 12 weeks, any parent in Brunswick County can be a part of the program that uses trained facilitators to work with parents and children. They focus on parenting, life and family skills.

In this difficult economy, when many Brunswick Countians are unemployed or facing reduced work hours and pay cuts, it can be difficult to find affordable medical care.

That’s why free clinics, like New Hope and Brunswick Adult Medical Clinic, are so important.

Last week, volunteers and officials with New Hope Clinic broke ground on a new, much-needed, larger facility. It’s a move required after the clinic has experienced an increase in the number of people who need its services.

Those who knew Carl Bazemore say he was a quiet man who got along well with others. He is noted for his public service, particularly to Sunset Beach where he served for 12 years on Sunset Beach Town Council.

In addition to maintaining a council seat for three terms, Bazemore also served on the Brunswick Beaches Consortium and was a chair of the South Brunswick Water and Sewer Authority’s stormwater management program.